Manchester United have confirmed they've agreed a deal with Juventus to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club.
Now 36, Ronaldo left United for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.
He scored 118 goals in 392 games during his first spell at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo's move back to United is still subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical - all of which are believed to be mere formalities. He's expected to sign a two-year contract.
It's believed the intervention of Ronaldo's former United manager Alex Ferguson - now a director at the club - steered the Portugal captain away from a mooted move to Manchester City.
On Thursday, Ronaldo appeared to be edging towards a controversial move from Turin to the Etihad. Conversations with City manager Pep Guardiola had already taken place, but the Premier League champions were unwilling to meet Juve's requested transfer fee.
Ronaldo informed Juve head coach Massimiliano Allegri of his desire to leave the club on Thursday, clearing the runway for a move back to the Premier League.
"I didn't think Cristiano was gonna turn out leaving Juventus," United manager Solskjaer said on Friday, "And it's been speculation this morning and the last few days.
"We've always had good communication. I know Bruno [Fernandes]'s been talking to him as well and he knows what we feel about him. And if he was ever gonna move away from Juventus he knows we're here.
"We focus on the ones we have there, I don't want to speculate too much on Cristiano, what's happening there with the press.
"I've said many times with speculation, when you're Man United, when you're Ronaldo, when you're Messi, when you're Pogba, when you're Bruno, you have to read a lot about yourselves. So let's see what happens with Cristiano, he's such a legend of this club.
"Cristiano has been a legend of this club, he is a legend of this club, he's the greatest player of all time, if you ask me. I was fortunate enough to play with him, I coached him (in 2008) when I got my job.
"He almost retired me in that Wolverhampton game [2003] when I got injured because he kept switching sides!
"Such a tremendous human being, as well. Let's see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who's played with him has a soft spot for him."
In a statement, United said "everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester."
“He knows we’re here” United to hijack Ronaldo move in spite signing
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